Monthly Archives: May 2014

We are seeking a highly motivated postgraduate researcher to work on population genomics of cheese Fungi in laboratory ESE located in Orsay near Paris (http://www.ese.u-psud.fr/index.php). The project focuses on studying the population genomics of *Penicillium roqueforti*, a fungus used for the maturation of blue cheese. Using whole-genome sequences of wild and domesticated populations, the successful applicant will particularly work on describing the recombination landscape within the genome of Penicillium roqueforti, the dynamics of transposable elements and horizontal gene transfers, and the selection within domesticated populations.

Applicants must have a PhD with emphasis on population genetics and genomics, molecular evolution. Experience in manipulating high throughput sequencing data and bioinformatics would be an advantage as well.

The successful applicant will be working in Evolutionary Ecology andGenetics team with Antoine Branca and Tatiana Giraud. The team has a long research experience in population genetics of fungi.

Orsay is a small town located 30km south of Paris and at just 40 min by urban transportation from downtown Paris.

Review of applications begins immediately until the end of June 2014.Starting dates are flexible but preferentially by September 2014. Salary will depend upon experience. To apply, please email toantoine.branca@u-psud.fr: i) a cover letter summarizing research interests and expertise ii) a Curriculum Vitae (including publications), and iii) the names and contact information of at least two references.

University of Wisconsin, Madison is advertising a position for Plant-Microbe Ecologist or Epidemiologist. The text below is taken from U. Wisconsin Eco_Epi_Ad

The Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is searching broadly at the assistant professor level for a researcher who studies the ecology or epidemiology of plant associated microbes through the use of emerging and novel quantitative methods. Areas of focus could include, but are not limited to: role of plant pathogens in the ecology of agricultural or natural systems; ecology of plant-associated microbes; population genetics of plant pathogens; metapopulation and dispersal dynamics; or the influence of landscapes and the physical environment on host-pathogen dynamics. We expect the incumbent to develop a research program with both empirical and theoretical components that form a bridge between basic and applied research. Further, we expect the incumbent to collaborate with colleagues in other programs such as plant biology, microbiology, ecology, modeling and related disciplines. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop a vigorous extramurally funded research program and to teach and mentor graduate and undergraduate students. The position carries a 70% research / 30% teaching distribution of effort, and a 9-month appointment. Teaching responsibilities include leading a graduate level course in ecology, epidemiology and control of plant diseases. Requirements include: a Ph.D. in plant pathology, microbiology, ecology, botany, or related discipline; a strong foundation in the principles and concepts of plant pathology and relevant research experience; effective oral and written communication skills; and a positive attitude for teamwork, including the ability to lead and motivate others.

The University of Wisconsin attracts excellent graduate students and offers high-quality research and teaching facilities. Many opportunities exist on the campus for collaboration across a broad array of disciplines. Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, is a picturesque and progressive city with a strong economy and a vibrant cultural environment.

To apply, compile the following into a single pdf file: cover letter, statements of teaching and research interests, and curriculum vitae, and submit to: ecoepisearch@plantpath.wisc.edu. Arrange to have copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and three letters of reference emailed to the same address. Questions regarding the position may be directed to Professor Murray Clayton, mkc@plantpath.wisc.edu. Applications received by September 1, 2014 will be assured full consideration; review of applications will continue until a suitable candidate is identified. The University of Wisconsin is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Purpose
The Biosciences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (http://www.ornl.gov) is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in the area of microbial ecology. The selected candidate will join an international team of investigators focused on understanding ecology of microbial communities as well as their responses to various anthropogenically induced changes (climate, contaminants, land use, etc.) in multiple systems.

Major Duties/Responsibilities
Design, conduct and interpret laboratory and field based research; lead and contribute to the development of scientific manuscripts and proposals for the Plant-Microbe Interfaces (PMI) project. The available project position will focus on understanding community structure and function of microbes associated with Populus tree species as driven by host genotypic and environmental factors [more at: http://pmi.ornl.gov/]. Research is facilitated by a full range of state-of-the-art equipment/facilities for microbiology, molecular biology, and genomics, in a professional environment with excellent technical support.

Qualifications Required

Qualifications Required: Ph.D. degree in microbiology, ecology, molecular biology, or related field. Applicant should have demonstrated expertise in both modern molecular ecology methods such as quantitative PCR, DNA sequence analyses, as well as working with the informatics tools for microbiome and metagenomics studies. Demonstrated expertise must include a track record of primary contributions to peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications Preferred: Priority will be given to applicants with a successful history of interdisciplinary, integrative, and innovative research in this area. Familiarity with software tools for next generation DNA sequence analysis of rRNA and metagenomic microbial datasets as well as the ability to program and script in R, Python or Perl to customize such analyses would also be preferred.

Applicants cannot have received the most recent degree more than five years prior to the date of application and must complete all degree requirements before starting their appointment.